Heritage Designation of Broadview Public School

File photo / Ottawa Citizen

Today’s approval by Planning Committee for the heritage designation of Broadview Public School is a positive decision for our community. For nearly 100 years, this campus has served our community, shaping generations of residents and enriching our neighbourhood through its presence. I am happy to see that our city’s heritage is being protected and, more specifically, that an iconic element of our ward in the Highland Park and McKellar Park communities will remain as a sign post pointing to our proud, but rapidly-disappearing past.

I am looking forward to open and clear communications between the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, my office and the City in the coming months, ensuring that this building is transformed for the greater good either through public or private utilization or a combination of the two. The excitement of what could become of this building, in an area challenged for community space, is palpable. If the Tower is finally designated by Council, I am looking forward to hearing your ideas and engaging your help.

I am also confident that this designation will not alter the current timeframe for the new Broadview school rebuild. My staff and I will continue to work with both OCDSB and City staff to ensure this project is completed on time and on budget, as expected. The students of Broadview will have their new school.

The Ottawa Carleton District School Board plays a key role in teaching our children critical life skills through the litany of subjects they cover, but what cannot be forgotten is that schools also help to shape and inform the values of the students under its care. With this designation, the Tower will serve as a standing example to our youngest residents of how we, as a society, value, protect and celebrate our heritage and our history.